Groupon Guide

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. Some people accuse the leafy greens of tasting bitter. Others place blame on a repugnant odor that wafts around the buds when cooked. Executive Chef Lee Guidry, who mans the kitchen at Sushisamba in Chicago, has a soft spot for the sprouts in his culinary heart. “I am a simple guy,” he said. “I can do just [sprouts coated in] olive oil and lemon juice.”
Though the most common ways of cooking brussels sprouts include boiling, steaming, stir-frying, and roasting, Chef Guidry prefers a different method: grilling. At Sushisamba, he brings brussels sprouts into the kitchen on special occasions and chars them on a robata, or Japanese grill. A hearty coating of yuzu kosho butter—a blend of butter and Japanese seasoning made from fermented yuzu peel, chili peppers, and salt—finishes off the easy and delicious recipe that can be re-created at home.
Robata-Grilled Brussels Sprouts
What You Need
Brussels sprouts, as many as your heart desires
Olive oil, enough to coat sprouts
Salt and pepper
Yuzu kosho butter, enough to coat sprouts
What You Do
1. Cut off the stem and trim the tough outer leaves of each sprout. Cut in half lengthwise.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and blanch sprouts quickly.
3. Cool off sprouts and then toss with olive oil and a pinch or two of salt and pepper.
4. Char the sprouts on a grill. Chef Guidry uses a robata, or Japanese grill, but any grill will do.
5. In a mixing bowl, toss sprouts with yuzu kosho butter.
6. Compare the sprouts’ delicate, charred edges to those of the framed parchment maps you keep inside your car.
The eclectic eatery that is Sushisamba—think illuminated paper cocoons spread across the ceiling and a sunken-in dining pit edged in dangling beads—pumps out these delicious treats on Chef Guidry’s command. Ask nicely and maybe he will command it.

For Michael Ciapciak, it’s all about Logan Square.
Ciapciak is the owner of Bang Bang Pie Shop (2051 N. California Ave.), which is quickly becoming a neighborhood staple known for its pies and biscuits. He feels a real sense of pride for Logan Square and everything it has to offer. “You really don't need to leave Logan for too much,” he said.
We asked him to share some of his favorite locales in and around Logan, and here’s what he said.
Cellar Door Provisions (3025 W. Diversey Ave.)
Ciapciak praises Cellar Door’s “epic bread” and adds that “the quiche is outstanding.”
Reno (2607 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
“We love Reno.” Stating no preference between the pizza and bagels, he said he and his family visit often for both.
Lula Cafe (2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.)
“Obviously.”
L’ Patron Tacos (2815 W. Diversey Ave.)
Ciapciak recommends the al pastor and fish tacos, as well as L’Patron’s “unusual” guacamole made with dried cranberries.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken (3361 N. Elston Ave.)
“Who doesn’t love fried chicken?”
SmallBar (2956 N. Albany Ave.)
This “neighborhood spot” is his go-to for a burger and fries.
Photo by Andrew Nawrocki, Groupon
Shop Groupon for deals at restaurants in Chicago.
Curious where other food personalities eat? Check out other Tasting Menu features:
Tasting Menu: Cleetus Friedman of Fountainhead
The Ravenswood chef on his favorite spots to take his kids for a meal.
Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
What does the famed ice-cream artisan eat while she’s in Chicago? Cheez-It ice cream, of course.
Chef David Schneider of Taxim
The owner and chef of the Wicker Park eatery on where he goes for tortas, falafel, souvlaki, birria, and other authentic dishes.
Chef Dominique Tougne of Chez Moi
The French-born chef shares some of his favorite dining destinations in Chicago.
Chef Carol Wallack of Sola Restaurant
The Northcenter chef shares her favorite places to find a healthy meal amongst Chicago’s bounty of hot dogs, gyros, and pizza puffs.

It used to be that lunchtime options in the Loop and River North would ruin your
diet and your bank balance. Great news, now there are a slew of new healthy options
in Chicago. Try some of these options to keep your new year’s resolutions on track.
A bonus – they have delicious options that you can try to recreate at home, too!Protein Bar was one of Chicago’s first uber healthy fast food places. Have no fear this
is not egg whites, protein powder and meatheads. Protein Bar offers quick, healthy,
delicious options in a fun and funky environment. The “super food” focused choices
include quinoa bowls and wraps, fruit smoothies and breakfast options. My faves
are the Buffalo Bowl and the Super Food Salad. They share nutrition information on
the menu to guide your choices. They now have 11 locations in the city and 2 in the
‘burbs.Lyfe Kitchen is a small national chain that focuses on “quality food using locally and
sustainably sourced ingredients whenever possible.” Oprah’s chef, Art Smith is at
the helm. Every item on the menu is lower than 600 calories. The Chicago River
North location is bright and clean and the service is quick and friendly. The menu is
huge and most items can be customized for food allergies or preferences. Try the
awesome Fish Tacos and amazing juices. There is also an Evanston location. (413
Clark St.)Chicago Raw has two locations with one in the French Market. Raw’s menu is made
up of entirely uncooked, 100% plant-based products. That said they have an
awesome variety of foods. If you served the muffins or nacho chips to guests, they
may never know that the items are raw and amazing for them. Try the Chipotle Lime
Tortilla Chips (but watch out – they are addictive!), delicious salads, breads and
muffins – yes, muffins. Good and amazingly good for you! (51 W Huron St. & 131 N
Clinton St.)Hannah’s Bretzel offers healthy, organic, delicious and nutritious options. They are
the first sandwich shop to focus on organic ingredients, sustainability and “whole
grain nutrition.” Oh, and they definitely focus on flavor and freshness, too. They
make breakfast and lunch and have great catering options for your office. Try my
faves the Ella’s Salad or the Thanksgiving 365 sandwich. They also have delicious
soups, sides and an amazing selection of chocolate by the registers! They have five
locations in Chicago. (180. W Washington St, 131 S Dearborn, 400 N LaSalle St., 233
N Michigan Ave., 555 W Monroe)Freshii’s motto is “Eat. Energize.” Freshii offers healthy, nutritious (and tasty) meals
and snacks for people on the go. The menu includes custom-made wraps, salads,
quinoa bowls, fresh pressed juices, breakfast, frozen yogurt and more. My faves are
the Buddha Bowl and the Ninja Salad, but you really can’t go wrong. Freshii has 17
locations in the Chicagoland area and hundreds of other places all over the world.ParagraphFarmer’s Fridge is a fresh, health food line in - wait for it – vending machines. They
make delicious salads, wraps, snacks and breakfasts that are fresh and handmade.
They are on a mission to make “real tasting food” that can be “really good for you
and really easy to get.” You can add protein to your salads and other extras. The
ordering system is super clever. I’ll admit, I found it pretty entertaining. They also
come in great reusable jars that you can recycle with them or keep for yourself to
reuse. You can shake up your salad and eat right from the jar. So easy! My faves are
the High Protein Salad and the Antixoidant Salad. Even the “Cheater” has a good
nutritional profile. There are currently 9 locations including 600 W Chicago
(Groupon’s HQ), The Shops at Nordstrom and several 7-11 stores. They also offer
home delivery!Paragraph

Restaurant Deals in Nearby Places

A Groupon Buck is site credit worth $1 that's deposited directly into your Groupon account. If you have Groupon Bucks available, they'll be applied automatically at checkout for any deal except Getaways Market Picks. Please note that you can only earn one Groupon Buck per business from Specials.